After a productive week in Montecatini, their Tuscan training base, Ireland approach their first leading tournament since the uproar of Japan and South Korea in decent shape.
While Giovanni Trapattoni has a few niggling fitness concerns to mull over and has been required to fend off accusations of “betrayal”, Saipan this is not.
The manner of Kevin Foley’s departure from Trapattoni’s squad caused dismay, as well as some emotional words from the Wolverhampton Wanderers utility player, but it hardly equates to the civil war prompted by Roy Keane’s volcanic outburst against Mick McCarthy in 2002.
The loss of a team-mate and friend who had originally been named in Trapattoni’s travelling party has been felt keenly, particularly as it came so close to Uefa’s deadline.
Are their wider questions about Trapattoni’s man-management? It seems foolish to question a man who has led teams to seven Serie A titles and one in the Bundesliga, but international football has a different dynamic and an authoritarian approach does not always motivate in the same way. It is also clear that communication can be an issue.
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Trapattoni’s Ireland have a fine record in competitive matches, and the Irish team spirit is not simply the stuff of cliché: they are tight-knit and close and will be willed on by some of the best supporters in Poland and Ukraine.
Their challenge is a formidable one, with group games to come against Croatia, Spain, the European and world champions, and Italy. Yet a familiar strain is that they are “not here to make up the numbers” and a positive result in their first match against Croatia would provide them with impetus. Italy’s tribulations provide another opportunity.
There are unlikely to be any great surprises in selection and, as usual, much will depend on the old warriors Shay Given, Robbie Keane, Damien Duff and Richard Dunne.
Tactics/Manager
Trapattoni has shown great loyalty to the squad that got him to the finals, but this is pragmatism not sentimentality. A 4-4-2 man, he is accused of tactical rigidity, but Ireland are unbeaten in their past 14 games and approach the tournament with confidence.
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Strengths
What they lack in flair, Ireland compensate for with obduracy and will again rely on a soaring team spirit.
Weaknesses
The centre of midfield is hardly overflowing with quality and five draws in their past nine fixtures in all competitions hints at their nuggety rather than exuberant approach.
Star player
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The likes of Richard Dunne, Shay Given and Robbie Keane must perform at their best if Ireland are to progress beyond the group stage, but in his second-half performance against Bosnia ten days ago, Aiden McGeady demonstrated an ability to change a game.
Sunday, June 10: Ireland v Croatia (Municipal Stadium, Poznan, 7.45pm, ITV1).
Thursday, June 14: Spain v Ireland (PGE Arena, Gdansk, 7.45pm, ITV1).
Monday, June 18: Italy v Ireland (Municipal Stadium, Poznan, 7.45pm, BBC One).